User:Artliterature

Peter Maphatsoe has lived all his 25 years in the small mountain kingdom of Lesotho. At the age of 14 he           				became the first Mosotho  to make carvings from the aloe wood that grows profusely in his country, selling them on the street to survive. From the start, he says, his art was motivated by both love and hunger. Lesotho has no museums, galleries, art schools, or studios, but its breathtaking beauty and rich history, language and traditions inspired Peter to teach himself to draw and paint. He was also encouraged by the dedication, generosity and talent of older Basotho artists, especially Tsepiso Lesenyoho. In 2007 Peter founded the Children’s Art Organisation of Lesotho to provide instruction, materials and encouragement to Basotho children. He soon connected his organisation with the newly-founded Family Literacy Lesotho, whose mission is to encourage the creation of the first children’s picture books about Lesotho in the Sesotho language and put them in the homes of Basotho children. In 2008 Peter helped found Family Art and Literacy Centre in Khubetsoana, a populous neighbourhood on the outskirts of the capital. At the Centre local artists have access to supplies, work space, and a display and sales area. Neighbourhood children and their families are welcomed every day for free art lessons, story hours, and access to the Centre's growing library of children's books. Over 70 children visit the Centre regularly to learn about their beautiful culture. Before his exhibition in Montreal, Peter Maphatsoe had never travelled beyond Southern Africa. He is honoured to have been invited by Galerie Gora and proud to share his culture with you. Peter hopes his paintings will inspire you to visit Lesotho, the land of Khotso, Pula, Nala (Peace, Rain, Prosperity)